Freshman comes up big again for 15th ranked Huskers

Natalie Romeo is hugged by Hallie Sample after the Huskers come from behind win (photo/NU Athletics)

Nebraska freshman Natalie Romeo hit a three-pointer from the corner with 1:11 left to give the 15th ranked Huskers their first lead of the game in a 59-57 come-from-behind women’s basketball win over Illinois on Thursday night at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The lost was Illinois’ sixth in a row, playing without their top player.

Romeo, who finished with six points, three assists and a steal off the bench, hit Nebraska’s first and last field goals of the game – both three-pointers. Romeo’s big shot allowed Nebraska to come all the way back from an 11-point first-half deficit and a nine-point second-half margin to get its 10th home win of the season.

Nebraska shot 44.2 percent (23-52) for the game, including 38.5 percent (5-13) from three-point range. NU went just 8-of-14 at the free throw line. Illinois finished 40.4 percent (23-57) from the floor, including 41.2 percent (7-17) from beyond the arc. The Illini went 4-of-6 at the line.

Nebraska returns to Pinnacle Bank Arena on Sunday to complete a two-game home stand by taking on Michigan. Tip-off between the Huskers and Wolverines is set for 2 p.m.